England are gearing up for the upcoming World Cup in India with the ambitious goal of becoming just the third team ever to retain their title, solidifying their reputation as the dominant force in white-ball cricket.
The memory of their early exit from the 2015 World Cup still stings, but since then, England have risen to become the reigning world champions in both men's one-day international and Twenty20 cricket.
For years, Test cricket, particularly the Ashes series against Australia, held a special place in the hearts of England players. However, a shocking 15-run loss to Bangladesh in Adelaide during the 2015 World Cup served as a wake-up call.
Andrew Strauss, who assumed the role of managing director of England cricket following this debacle, initiated a clear separation between the Test and limited-overs teams.
Under Strauss's guidance, Peter Moores was replaced by Trevor Bayliss as the coach, primarily for his expertise in white-ball cricket. Eoin Morgan retained his role as the limited-overs captain, ensuring continuity and stability in leadership. The team's focus shifted towards the long-term, prioritizing players who fit the desired style of play and who could contribute to World Cup success.